Baby Pumpernickel Turkey-bacon Cheese Melts

Total Time: 1 hr 3 mins Preparation Time: 1 hr Cook Time: 3 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 45
• 48 slices pumpernickel cocktail bread
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 -2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups old cheddar cheese, grated
• 6 -7 cups finely chopped cooked turkey or 6 -7 cups cooked chicken
• 2 cups half-and-half cream or 2 cups full-fat milk
• salt and black pepper
• tabasco sauce (optional)
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (you can use more)
• 7 -8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 7 -8 firm plum tomatoes, thinly sliced

Recipe

• 1 place the pumpernickel slices onto a large baking sheet; broil 6-inches from heat source for about 4 minutes (watch closely not to burn!) set aside.
• 2 melt butter in a saucepan, add in the chopped jalapeno, stir with wooden spoon for 1 minute.
• 3 add in flour and whisk until smooth.
• 4 gradually add in the half and half cream; cook over medium heat whisking continously until thickened and hot.
• 5 add in the grated chedder cheese, stir until melted.
• 6 add in chopped turkey or chicken; season with salt and black pepper and cayenne (if using).
• 7 spoon each slice pumpernickel bread with the warm turkey/cheese mixture, then sprinkle with a small amount of grated parmesan cheese, then sprinkle with the crumbled bacon .
• 8 bake in a 450 degree oven for about 3 minutes or until the parmesan is melted.
• 9 remove from oven and top with a tomato slice then serve.